Page 59 of Second Chance

27

Taking Care

[Mati]

I take a deep breath as I stand behind my brother positioned behind Denton. Elbows on the bar, Denton holds his head up with thick fingers as Billy says something to him. He’s squeezed himself between Denton and sticky Kristy who had her hands on Denton—again—as I entered the pub. What is it with these two? I wonder for the millionth time. They were never good for each other, and yet something must have been good enough between them because Denton married her once they reached California. The only details I have of their divorce is Kristy’s version which includes his desperate love for her but his desire for the rockstar road more.

“Billy,” I say in greeting as I place a hand on his back. Billy shifts to look at me over his shoulder.

“He’s all yours,” he says, stepping back as Denton spins to face me. His eyes are a drunken glaze. His smile is too big, his face ruddy.

“Hey, Spice,” he slurs.

“Denton, whatcha doing?” I rub a hand up his back, hoping to comfort what I suspect is pain over his mother’s condition. I might not have the best relationship with my mother, but her dying would be one of the worst experiences of my life. I’d like to think Denton feels the same.

“Drinkin’, lion cat. First drink’s on me.” He pats his lap like I should climb up and take a seat, but I shake my head, not appreciating his rude behavior in front of others for just this reason—Kristy gasps and my brother’s brow rises.

“Actually,” I emphasize. “I think it’s time to go.”

“Mati,” he gasps in false surprise. “I didn’t think you’d be so easy.” He chuckles and turns for the bar. “Drink first.”

“Listen, California.” My fists come to my hips as one cocks to the side. “I’m not one of your hussies come to get some. I’m here to take your drunk ass to the Lodge before you make more of a fool of yourself.” My eyes shift to Kristy. Maybe he wants his ex-wife again, but not on my watch. My brother called me for some reason. I shiver with thoughts of Kristy and Denton.

“California,” he snorts. “We’re a long way from California.” His foot slips from the crossbar on the stool leg, and he lunges forward. Billy catches him at the chest as Denton’s other leg falls forward to stop him from tumbling.

“I got it.” Denton holds his hands upward. “I got it.”

Billy removes his hands, spreading them wide to signal he released Denton, but still holding them close enough to catch him if he stumbles. It’s evident he doesn’t got it.

“Here’s his keys,” Billy offers, handing them over to me.

“She can’t drive my car,” Denton admonishes. “It’s a stick. I drive.” I’m going to bypass the insult that I can’t drive a stick-shift vehicle. Billy intercedes anyway.

“No way, buddy. She drives, or you don’t leave.”

“Spice likes me to drive, isn’t that right, Mati? I can drive all night long.” The words come out like a song, and Denton moves his hips in a way to suggest something other than handling a car.

“I don’t know what he means,” I say, glaring at my brother whose lips cracks into a curve.

“None of my business.” Billy smirks. My eyes drift to Kristy who has remained surprisingly silent during this interchange. Her mouth gapes open as she stares between Denton and me.

“You hooked up with him?” She squeaks.

“I did no such thing,” I defend.

“But she wants to,” Denton adds, wiggling a finger at me.

“I do not,” I add more defensively. We are so not having this conversation before his ex-wife and my can’t-keep-it-in-his pants brother.

“You so do, Mati. You just can’t admit it yet.” His finger taps my nose which I swat away. “But you will. Soon, sweetheart.”

Oh. My. God.

“I think you should take care of him.” I nod at my older brother whose face fights a grin.

“Sounds like you’ve got things handled,” Billy says, the grin spreading.

“Yeah, sweetheart. Handle me.” Denton’s tone deepens, seductive and slurred. Not exactly a turn on.